Assault suspect wanted by police

After he did not show to a preliminary hearing Thursday in Teton County Circuit Court, Mathew Seals is suspected of fleeing the state, police said, and could be in Oregon or Mexico.

Seals was arrested July 20 for what police described as a violent assault against his ex-girlfriend.

He posted bond shortly after his initial appearance with the help of Teton Bail Bonds.

“I contacted his bail bondsman and made him aware when we had information that he was going to flee,” Teton County Sheriff’s Detective Dave Hodges told the court. “But he was confident that Mr. Seals would come to court.”

A nationwide warrant was issued Thursday for his arrest.

Police believe Seals left the state with a new girlfriend.

“She was moving out of her employee housing,” Hodges said. “And her car hasn’t been seen since.”

Seals, 33, was charged with felony aggravated assault after the victim went to get a protection order against him.

According to police, Seals beat the victim so badly she had to have surgery.

Then on the way to a hospital, he coached the victim to tell doctors she had been in an ATV accident.

“We hoped to serve this protection order on him but that will have to wait for another day,” Judge James Radda said in court.

Seals is wanted for failure to appear on the felony aggravated assault charge.